Emotional scars remain a work in progress for world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore, two weeks after she was viciously attacked outside her Tweed Heads apartment.
Following her post-Christmas assault, she has spent the festive season in a whirlwind of sleepless nights, nightmares, and comforting slumber parties with her close-knit group of friends.
As the four-time world champion describes it, she’s bruised but not broken, and her spirit remains unshaken, along with her $5 million megawatt smile.
Yesterday, as she discussed signing the richest sponsorship deal in women’s surfing history with surfwear giant Quiksilver, the 22-year-old opened up about the attack, her life, and her undeterred quest for more world titles.
Out of the water for six weeks, Stephanie Gilmore may not return to surfing until her opening heat at the season-launching Roxy Pro, starting February 26 on the Gold Coast.
The attack resulted in a broken left wrist and significant ligament damage.
While these injuries are healing rapidly, Gilmore acknowledges that her recovery from the emotional scars is still ongoing. This marks her first break from the sport she fell in love with at age 10.
“I’m going to have to take some time to heal emotionally and physically. I’m not there yet…obviously thinking about it is still hard,” remarked Gilmore regarding the December 27 incident.
“It’s certainly been a challenging couple of weeks, filled with sleepless nights. However, I know it was just a random incident.
“It came down to bad timing – being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and knowing that has brought me a little more peace of mind.”
After spending Christmas back home on the Gold Coast, having recently secured an unprecedented four world titles in Hawaii, Gilmore was attacked by a 26-year-old homeless man while returning to her beachside apartment following a canceled movie outing with friends.
Upon hearing her screams, friends swiftly came to her aid, tackling the assailant to the ground and holding him until the police arrived.
The assault shocked the surfing and sporting community, with an overwhelming outpouring of support flooding in for Gilmore.
Known to many as “Happy Gilmore,” she firmly believes the incident will not alter her free spirit, nor will she succumb to negativity.
“It’s not something that’s going to change me as a person,” she stated.
“I’ve managed to draw many positives from this terrifying experience.
“I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on what I want to accomplish in the next five years.
“Being out of the water for the first time in my life makes me even more excited, hungry, and enthusiastic to get back.”
by Buford Balony
